Application modules (ams) with multi-carrier subscriber identity modules (msims) for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems

ABSTRACT

Application modules (AMs) with multi-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems (WDCSs), including but not limited to distributed antenna systems (DASs). Related systems and methods are also disclosed. The MSIMs comprise circuitry configured to implement multiple SIM instances, each SIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respective carrier. In one embodiment, AMs may be associated with components of a WDCS. By associating the AMs into components of a WDCS, live signals in the WDCS can be monitored and measured for monitoring the performance of components within the WDCS. The AMs may include one or more application level applications configured to receive and monitor signals in the WDCS, and to provide application-level information about such monitored signals to other components or systems, or technicians.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/807,773, filed Nov. 9, 2017, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference. The present application is related toInternational Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US15/32397, filed on May26, 2015, entitled “Multiple Application Modules (MAMs) For MonitoringSignals In Components In Wireless Distribution Systems, IncludingDistributed Antenna Systems (DASs), And Related Systems And Methods,”which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The technology of the present disclosure relates generally toapplication modules for monitoring of signals in components of wirelessdistributed communications systems (WDCSs), including distributedantenna systems (DASs).

Wireless communication is rapidly growing, with ever-increasing demandsfor high-speed mobile data communication. As an example, local areawireless services (e.g., so-called “wireless fidelity” or “WiFi”systems) and wide area wireless services are being deployed in manydifferent types of areas (e.g., coffee shops, airports, libraries,etc.). WDCSs communicate with wireless devices called “clients,” “clientdevices,” or “wireless client devices,” which reside within the wirelessrange or “cell coverage area” in order to communicate with an accesspoint device. One example of a WDCS is a DAS. DASs are particularlyuseful to be deployed inside buildings or other indoor environmentswhere client devices may not otherwise be able to effectively receiveradio frequency (RF) signals from a source, such as a base station forexample. Example applications where distributed antenna systems can beused to provide or enhance coverage for wireless services include publicsafety, cellular telephony, wireless local access networks (LANs),location tracking, and medical telemetry inside buildings and overcampuses.

One approach to deploying a DAS involves the use of RF antenna coverageareas, also referred to as “antenna coverage areas.” Antenna coverageareas can be formed by remotely distributed remote antenna units (RAUs),which may also be referred to as remote units (RUs). The remote unitseach contain or are configured to couple to one or more antennasconfigured to support the desired frequency(ies) or polarization(s) toprovide the antenna coverage areas. Antenna coverage areas can have aradius in the range from a few meters up to twenty meters as an example.Combining a number of remote units creates an array of antenna coverageareas. Because the antenna coverage areas each cover small areas, theretypically may be only a few users (clients) per antenna coverage area.This arrangement generates a uniform high quality signal enabling highthroughput supporting the required capacity for the wireless systemusers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of distribution of communications servicesin a WDCS. FIG. 1 illustrates distribution of communications services tocoverage areas 10(1)-10(N) of a DAS 12, wherein ‘N’ is the number ofcoverage areas. These communications services can include cellularservices, wireless services such as RFID tracking, WiFi, LAN, WLAN, andcombinations thereof, as examples. The coverage areas 10(1)-10(N) may beremotely located. In this regard, the remote coverage areas 10(1)-10(N)are created by and centered on remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N)connected to a central unit 16 (e.g., a head-end controller (HEC) orhead-end unit (HEU)). The central unit 16 may be communicatively coupledto a base station 18. In this regard, the central unit 16 receivesdownlink communications signals 20D from the base station 18 to bedistributed to the remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N). The remote antennaunits 14(1)-14(N) are configured to receive downlink communicationssignals 20D from the central unit 16 over a communications medium 22 tobe distributed to the respective coverage areas 10(1)-10(N) of theremote antenna units 14(1)-14(N). Each remote antenna unit 14(1)-14(N)may include an RF transmitter/receiver (not shown) and a respectiveantenna 24(1)-24(N) operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver towirelessly distribute the communications services to client devices 26within their respective coverage areas 10(1)-10(N). The remote antennaunits 14(1)-14(N) are also configured to receive uplink communicationssignals 20U from the client devices 26 in their respective coverageareas 10(1)-10(N) to be distributed to the base station 18. The size ofa given coverage area 10(1)-10(N) is determined by the amount of RFpower transmitted by the respective remote antenna unit 14(1)-14(N), thereceiver sensitivity, antenna gain and the RF environment, as well as bythe RF transmitter/receiver sensitivity of the client device 26. Clientdevices 26 usually have a fixed RF receiver sensitivity, so that theabove-mentioned properties of the remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N)mainly determine the size of their respective remote coverage areas10(1)-10(N).

In the DAS 12 in FIG. 1, after installation and commissioning, a sitewalk is typically performed to analyze the data quality for optimizationof the coverage areas 10(1)-10(N) created by the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). The site walk may involve activating the DAS 12 for thecentral unit 16 to receive the downlink communications signals 20D fromthe base station 18 for distribution to the remote antenna units14(1)-14(N). Then, a service technician walks around the differentcoverage areas 10(1)-10(N) with a wireless communication device, such asa mobile phone or laptop computer, which may be referred to generally asa user equipment (UE), to receive the distributed downlinkcommunications signals 20D from the remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N).The received downlink communications signals 20D can be reviewed andanalyzed by personnel conducting the site walk to determine the qualityof the coverage areas 10(1)-10(N), such as signal strength as anexample. The DAS 12 may also be configured to generate alarms indicativeof signal quality. Any quality issues in the DAS 12 can be identifiedand resolved. However, the context of the received downlinkcommunications signals 20D is not known. For example, it is not knownwhich received downlink communications signals 20D and/or how manycommunications bands are being distributed in the DAS 12.

An additional difficulty faced during a site walk is that the DAS 12 mayoperate to distribute signals for more than one carrier simultaneously.The conventional way of calibrating/diagnosing cellular signals in thisscenario is to perform site walks with multiple UEs, where each UE isconnected to a different carrier, and over-the-air scanners; after thesite walk there is no on-site diagnostic equipment left on site forcontinuous monitoring of the on-going service signal changes. In orderfor the service technician's client device 26 to operate in a diagnosticmode, in which the client device 26 registers with the carrier networkin order to get more detailed information, such as higher open systemsinterconnect (OSI) layer information, about the network signals, thatclient device 26 must have a carrier-specific subscriber identity module(SIM) card. A SIM card is not required by the client device 26 tooperate in a scanning mode, during which the client device 26 does notregister with a carrier but instead camps temporarily and can collectsignal identification parameters and signal levels. However, having aSIM card allows the service technician's client device 26 to collectvaluable information not available in scanning mode. As a result, aservice technician performing a site walk in a DAS 12 that supportsmultiple carriers must possess multiple client devices 26, one clientdevice 26 for every carrier being supported within the DAS 12. Somecellular providers/OEM vendors now offer stand-alone equipment thatconsists of multiple UEs to monitor different signal types. Suchequipment is located at known location such as different zones in astadium to continuously monitor the quality of service (QoS) or qualityof experience (QoE) of the cellular signals. However, such equipmentmerely contains multiple, separate UEs to monitor different serviceproviders, each UE containing a carrier-specific SIM. Installation,maintenance, and operation of these units are cost prohibitive in naturedue to the cumbersome hardware and maintenance of the multiple SIMs.

No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes priorart. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracyand pertinency of any cited documents.

SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein include application modules (AMs) withmulti-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic modemonitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems(WDCSs), including but not limited to distributed antenna systems(DASs). Related systems and methods are also disclosed. The MSIMscomprise circuitry configured to implement multiple SIM instances, eachSIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM registerwith a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from therespective carrier. In one embodiment, AMs may be associated withcomponents of a WDCS. These AMs include wireless telecommunicationcircuitry associated with wireless distribution components in a WDCS,such as communications and power components as examples. By associatingthe AMs with one or more components of a WDCS, live signals in the WDCScan be monitored and measured for monitoring the performance ofcomponents within the WDCS. The AMs include a multiple applicationsoftware platform architecture that includes one or more applicationlayer applications configured to receive and monitor signals in theWDCS, and to provide application-level information about such monitoredsignals to other components or systems, or technicians. Theapplication-level information can be used by a technician or othersystem to diagnose or calibrate the WDCS and/or the communicationscomponents provided therein. Each AM can be configured to engage indiagnostic mode monitoring of signals associated with each of one ormore carriers.

One embodiment of the disclosure relates to an AM for multi-carrier,diagnostic mode monitoring of signals within a WDCS. The AM comprises amulti-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM) comprising circuitryconfigured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instancecontaining carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with acarrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from therespective carrier. The AM further comprises at least one communicationsinterface configured to receive communications signals from a pluralityof sectors in a WDCS, the communications signals comprising at least oneof a downlink communications signal and an uplink communications signal.The AM further comprises at least one processor configured to execute atleast one application layer application to analyze the at least one ofthe downlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal.The AM is configured to communicate application-level informationregarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communicationssignal and the uplink communications signal to another system.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a WDCS. The WDCScomprises a central unit configured to receive a downlink communicationssignal from a communications system, distribute the downlinkcommunications signal over at least one downlink communications mediumto a plurality of remote units, receive an uplink communications signalfrom the plurality of remote units over at least one uplinkcommunications medium, and distribute the uplink communications signalto the communications system. Each remote unit among the plurality ofremote units is configured to receive the downlink communications signalfrom the central unit over the at least one downlink communicationsmedium, distribute the downlink communications signal to a clientdevice, receive the uplink communications signal from the client device,and distribute the uplink communications signal to the central unit overthe at least one uplink communications medium. The WDCS also includes atleast one AM associated with at least one of the central unit and atleast one of the remote units among the plurality of remote units. Theat least one AM comprises at least one communications interfaceconfigured to receive communications signals from a plurality of sectorsin the WDCS, the communications signals comprising at least one of thedownlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal. Theat least one AM further comprises at least one processor configured toexecute at least one application layer application to analyze the atleast one of the downlink communications signal and the uplinkcommunications signal. The at least one AM further comprises an MSIMconfigured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instancecontaining carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with acarrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from therespective carrier. The at least one AM is configured to receive atleast one of the downlink communications signal and the uplinkcommunications signal, and communicate application-level informationregarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communicationssignal and the uplink communications signal to another system.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method for an AM formulti-carrier, diagnostic mode monitoring of signals in a WDCS. Themethod comprises receiving a downlink communications signal from acommunications system in a central unit, distributing the downlinkcommunications signal over at least one downlink communications mediumto a plurality of remote units, and distributing the received downlinkcommunications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remoteunits to a client device. The method further comprises receiving anuplink communications signal from the plurality of remote units over atleast one uplink communications medium in the central unit, receivingthe uplink communications signal in each remote unit among the pluralityof remote units from the client device, and distributing the receiveduplink communications signal in each remote unit among the plurality ofremote units to the central unit. The method further comprises executingat least one application layer application in at least one processor inat least one AM associated with at least one of the central unit and atleast one of the remote units among the plurality of remote units toanalyze the at least one of the downlink communications signal and theuplink communications signal, the AM comprising an MSIM configured toimplement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containingcarrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier toperform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respectivecarrier. The method further comprises communicating application-levelinformation regarding the analyzed at least one of the downlinkcommunications signal and the uplink communications signal to anothersystem.

Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium having stored thereon computer executableinstructions to cause a processor-based AM associated with acommunications component in a WDCS to receive a downlink communicationssignal from a communications system in a central unit, distribute thedownlink communications signal over at least one downlink communicationsmedium to a plurality of remote units, and distribute the receiveddownlink communications signal in each remote unit among the pluralityof remote units to a client device. The computer executable instructionsfurther cause the AM to receive an uplink communications signal from theplurality of remote units over at least one uplink communications mediumin the central unit, receive the uplink communications signal in eachremote unit among the plurality of remote units from the client device,and distribute the received uplink communications signal in each remoteunit among the plurality of remote units to the central unit. Thecomputer executable instructions further cause the AM to execute atleast one application layer application in at least one processor in atleast one AM associated with at least one of the central unit and atleast one of the remote units among the plurality of remote units toanalyze the at least one of the downlink communications signal and theuplink communications signal, the AM comprising an MSIM configured toimplement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containingcarrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier toperform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respectivecarrier. The computer executable instructions further cause the AM tocommunicate application-level information regarding the analyzed atleast one of the downlink communications signal and the uplinkcommunications signal to another system.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part, will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the description or recognized bypracticing the embodiments as described in the written description andclaims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and areintended to provide an overview or framework to understand the natureand character of the claims.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles andoperation of the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless distributedcommunications system (WDCS) in the form of a distributed antenna system(DAS) capable of distributing radio frequency (RF) communicationsservices to client devices;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary application module (AM)with a multi-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM) for diagnosticmode monitoring of signals and that can be associated with one or morecomponents of a DAS WDCS to monitor live signals in the WDCS, createapplication-level information about the monitored signals, andcommunicate the application-level information to other systems;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating an exemplary opticalfiber-based DAS that includes components in which the AM in FIG. 2 canbe included;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of exemplary DAS components of a DAS inwhich the AM in FIG. 2 can be associated to monitor live signals in theWDCS, create application-level information about the monitored signals,and communicate the application-level information to other systems;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary internal componentsof the AM with an MSIM for diagnostic mode monitoring of signals incomponents in WDCSs according to an embodiment of the present disclosurein FIG. 2;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary AM in a scanning operation modeaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM inFIG. 6A to monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-levelinformation about the monitored signals, and communicate theapplication-level information to other systems;

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary AM in a diagnostic operation modeaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM inFIG. 7A to monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-levelinformation about the monitored signals, and communicate theapplication-level information to other systems;

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary AM in a diagnostic operation modeaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM inFIG. 8A to monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-levelinformation about the monitored signals, and communicate theapplication-level information to other systems;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary WDCS according to another embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is schematic diagram of a AM wirelessly communicatingapplication-level information about monitored signals to other portabledevices;

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic cut-away diagram of an exemplarybuilding infrastructure in which a DAS including one or more componentsassociated with AMs can be employed; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a generalized representation of anexemplary computer system that can be included in an AM provided in aWDCS, wherein the exemplary computer system is adapted to executeinstructions from an exemplary computer readable medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be further clarified by the following examples.

Embodiments disclosed herein include application modules (AMs) withmulti-carrier subscriber identity modules (MSIMs) for diagnostic modemonitoring of signals within wireless distributed communications systems(WDCSs), including but not limited to distributed antenna systems(DASs). Related systems and methods are also disclosed. The MSIMscomprise circuitry configured to implement multiple SIM instances, eachSIM instance containing carrier-specific data to enable the AM registerwith a carrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from therespective carrier. In one embodiment, AMs may be associated withcomponents of a WDCS. These AMs include wireless telecommunicationcircuitry associated with wireless distribution components in a WDCS,such as communications and power components as examples. By associatingthe AMs with one or more components of a WDCS, live signals in the WDCScan be monitored and measured for monitoring the performance ofcomponents within the WDCS. The AMs include a multiple applicationsoftware platform architecture that includes one or more applicationlayer applications configured to receive and monitor signals in theWDCS, and to provide application-level information about such monitoredsignals to other components or systems, or technicians. Theapplication-level information can be used by a technician or othersystem to diagnose or calibrate the WDCS and/or the communicationscomponents provided therein. Each AM can be configured to engage indiagnostic mode monitoring of signals associated with each of one ormore carriers.

The subject matter described herein relates to enabling enhancedspectrum/service signal diagnostics in WDCSs. In particular, it isrelated to providing multiple subscriber identity module (SIM) instanceswithin a single, specially adapted user equipment (UE) to eliminate theneed of multiple UEs to scan and diagnose cellular service signals fromdifferent service providers. Such a method when implemented in a WDCSwill reduce the redundant hardware needed to diagnose the provisionedcellular service signals while providing intelligence to the system andits environment.

In this regard, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary AM 30 formulti-carrier, diagnostic mode monitoring of signals. As will bediscussed in more detail below, the AM 30 can be associated with one ormore components of a WDCS as a client device to monitor live signals(e.g., component power, radio frequency (RF) power or communicationssignals) in the WDCS and create application-level information (e.g.,application level data) about the monitored signals. The AM 30 isconfigured with one or more application layer applications 32, such asprovided in an application layer 34 of an OSI model, as a non-limitingexample. In this example, the application layer application 32 isconfigured to retrieve information about monitored signals in a WDCSfrom lower layers 36 in the AM 30 to generate application-levelinformation 38 about the monitored signals. Context information can beincluded in the application-level information 38 about the monitoredsignals for additional information that requires application levelprocessing, as opposed to lower layer signal monitoring that may notinclude context information.

For example, the AM 30 may include one or more sensors 40(1)-40(P) thatcan be employed to sense information about monitored signals in a WDCSthat is provided to software application layer application 32 (alsoreferred to herein as “application layer application 32”) in theapplication layer 34 of the AM 30 to generate the application-levelinformation 38 about the monitored signals. For example, one of thesensors 40(1)-40(P) may be a power level detector configured todetermine a power level (e.g., an RF power level) of a monitored signal,wherein the application-level information 38 relates to power level ofthe monitored signals. As an example, the application-level information38 may include a history of power level information for the monitoredsignal, as opposed to just a physical level power level, for additionalcontext information. Thus, the power level information in theapplication-level information 38 may be more useful in calibrating gainlevels in the WDCS than just one power level about the monitored signal.The application layer application 32 in the AM 30 can then communicatethis application-level information 38 through a communications interfaceto other systems for use in diagnosing and/or calibrating a WDCS.Further, because the application layer applications 32 in the AM 30 maybe open architecture applications, customers or technicians may be ableto load their own application layer applications 32 in the AM 30,including customized applications, for monitoring signals in their WDCSand providing application-level information 38, and/or forming anapplication network.

In this regard, with continuing reference to FIG. 2, the AM 30 in thisembodiment includes a number of communications interfaces 42(1)-42(N)that can communicate the application-level information 38 to othersystems. For example, the communications interfaces 42(1)-42(N) caninclude a cellular modem 42(1), WiFi interface 42(2), and Bluetoothmodule 42(3), as shown in FIG. 2. As will be described in more detailbelow, the AM 30 will be incorporated into a WDCS component as a clientdevice that is capable of receiving communications distributed throughthe DAS, such as cellular communications signals through the cellularmodem 42(1) and WiFi signals through the WiFi interface 42(2). Becausethe AM 30 appears as a client device in the WDCS, the AM 30 can alsotransmit communications signals through a communications interface 42within a WDCS like client devices, or outside the WDCS, to otherrecipients, including technician or service personnel communicationsdevices to provide the application-level information 38 about monitoredsignals. The Bluetooth module 42(3) in this example allows for localcommunications to the AM 30 to retrieve application-level information 38outside of the WDCS, if desired. Also, because the AM 30 has thefunctionality of a client device in the WDCS, the AM 30 may also beconfigured to receive calls or other communications from another systemthrough the WDCS to retrieve the application-level information 38 fromthe AM 30. In this regard, the application layer applications 32 in theAM 30 may facilitate the AM 30 to initiate providing application-levelinformation 38 to other systems without being requested, such as due toalarm conditions or other criteria or thresholds being exceeded.

The AM 30 may also have other components that are useful in monitoringsignals in a WDCS. For example, the AM 30 may include a globalpositioning module (GPS) 44 that can allow the AM 30 to determine itslocation and communicate this location in conjunction withapplication-level information 38. The AM 30 may also include an audiocomponent 46, such as to allow the AM 30 to respond to voice commands orprovide application-level information 38 about monitored signalsaudially, as examples.

Because the AM 30 provides the application layer applications 32 forproviding the application-level information 38 about monitored signals,less cost and faster development times may be realized since changes tothe application layer applications 32 can be made in software ratherthan through hardware updates. The AM 30 allows uploads for newapplication layer applications 32 to be provided in the applicationlayer 34 or updates to existing application layer applications 32 in theapplication layer 34. Also, by allowing for application layerapplications 32 in the AM 30, outsider developers, including individualdevelopers, can develop third party software applications for the AM 30for further availability to WDCS application layer applications for costeffective development.

With continuing reference to FIG. 2, the AM 30 in this embodimentincludes a multi-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM) 48 thatincludes circuitry for storing carrier-specific data for each of one ormore carriers, thus allowing the AM 30 to perform diagnostic modemonitoring of signals from one or more of the one or more carriers. TheMSIM 48 allows the AM 30 to leverage different aspects of SIMs tooperate a cellular radio in scanning and diagnostic modes. In oneembodiment, the MSIM 48 stores separate sets of carrier-specific data,one set for each of the one or more carriers supported. Examples ofcarrier-specific data include, but are not limited to, an internationalmobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number, security authentication andciphering information, temporary information related to the localnetwork, a list of the services the user has access to, and passwords(e.g., a personal identification number (PIN) for ordinary use, and apersonal unblocking code (PUK) for PIN unlocking). In one embodiment,each set of carrier-specific data has its own unique serial number, suchas an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the MSIM 48 is shown as acomponent within the cellular modem 42(1), but in alternativeembodiments, the MSIM 48 may be a component within another module withinthe AM 30, the MSIM 48 may be a separate module within the AM 30, or theMSIM 48 may be considered a component outside of the AM 30 but coupledto the AM 30 via a communications interface.

In one embodiment, the MSIM 48 may contain one or more instances ofconventional SIM circuitry. In these embodiments, the MSIM 48 may beviewed as containing multiple SIM cards, or their circuit equivalents,which are referred to herein as “hardware SIM instances,” that areelectrically connected to the AM via circuitry that selects or enables asubset (e.g., one or more) of the number of SIM cards at a time.

In another embodiment, the MSIM 48 may contain one or more instances ofvirtualized SIM cards (vSIMs), which are referred to herein as “virtualSIM instances.” Examples of vSIMs include softSIMs, which are fullyvirtual (i.e., they are software based and do not have hardware), andeSIMs, which reside within non-removable hardware on board a device butwhich can be provisioned over a network to operate like a SIM card forone particular carrier. In such embodiments, the MSIM 48 may be viewedas containing multiple virtual SIM instances that are under the controlof a scheduler or controller that activates a subset (e.g., one or more)of the number of virtualized SIMs at a time.

In yet another embodiment, the MSIM 48 may contain a mix of hardware SIMinstances and virtual SIM instances. In such embodiments, the MSIM 48may enable or activate one of SIM instances (hardware or virtual) at atime.

Thus, whereas conventional SIMs store carrier-specific data for a singlecarrier, the MSIM 48 is configurable to store multiple sets ofcarrier-specific data. In one embodiment, the MSIM 48 includes logic orcircuitry for selecting or activating one of the sets, so that the AM 30has access to the specific carrier associated with that set. In oneembodiment, the carrier associated with one of the sets is differentfrom the carrier associated with another of the sets. In one embodiment,the carrier associated with one of the sets may be the same as thecarrier associated with another of the sets, but the sets differ fromeach other in other aspects, such as IMSI number, list of services theuser has access to, etc.

In some embodiments, an AM 30 may include distinct transceiver hardwarefor different transmission types (e.g., OFDM versus CDMA), in which casethe MSIM 48 may enable multiple SIMs instances simultaneously, one foreach distinct transceiver. In embodiments where the AM 30 uses the sametransceiver hardware for different transmission types, the MSIM 48 mayenable one of the SIM instances at a time. In such embodiments, the MSIM48 may multiplex among the multiple SIM instances as rapidly as neededto allow the AM 30 to collect information from multiple carriers in whatis essentially parallel operation.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of another exemplary optical fiber-baseddistributed antenna system (DAS) 50 as an example of a WDCS that mayinclude AMs 30 for monitoring of signals. In this embodiment, theoptical fiber-based DAS 50 includes optical fibers for distributing RFcommunication services. The optical fiber-based DAS 50 in thisembodiment is comprised of three (3) main components. One or more radiointerfaces provided in the form of radio interface modules (RIMs)52(1)-52(M) in this embodiment are provided in head end equipment (HEE)54 to receive and process downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R) from one or more base stations 57(1)-57(T) (shown in FIG.3B) prior to optical conversion into downlink optical RF communicationssignals. The RIMs 52(1)-52(M) provide both downlink and uplinkinterfaces. The notations “1-R,” “1-M,” “1-T,” and the like, indicatethat any number of the referenced component, e.g., 1-R, 1-M, etc., maybe provided. AMs 30 can be included in the RIMs 52(1)-52(M) or providedin the same location, housing, or packaging as the RIMs 52(1)-52(M), tomonitor the downlink electrical RF communications signals 56D(1)-56D(R)prior to optical conversion into downlink optical RF communicationssignals. As will be described in more detail below, the HEE 54 isconfigured to accept a plurality of RIMs 52(1)-52(M) as modularcomponents that can easily be installed and removed or replaced in theHEE 54. In one embodiment, the HEE 54 is configured to support up toeight (8) RIMs 52(1)-52(8).

Each RIM 52(1)-52(M) can be designed to support a particular type ofradio source or range of radio sources (i.e., frequencies) to provideflexibility in configuring the HEE 54 and the optical fiber-based DAS 50to support the desired radio sources. For example, one RIM 52 may beconfigured to support the Personal Communication Services (PCS) radioband. Another RIM 52 may be configured to support the 700 MHz radioband. In this example, by inclusion of these RIMs 52, the HEE 54 wouldbe configured to support and distribute RF communications signals onboth PCS and LTE 700 radio bands. RIMs 52 may be provided in the HEE 54that support any frequency bands desired, including but not limited tothe US Cellular band, Personal Communication Services (PCS) band,Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) band, 700 MHz band, Global System forMobile communications (GSM) 900, GSM 1800, and Universal MobileTelecommunication System (UMTS). RIMs 52 may be provided in the HEE 54that support any wireless technologies desired, including but notlimited to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), CDMA200, 1×RTT,Evolution—Data Only (EV-DO), UMTS, High-speed Packet Access (HSPA), GSM,General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment(EDGE), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE),iDEN, and Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD).

RIMs 52 may be provided in the HEE 54 that support any frequenciesdesired, including but not limited to US FCC and Industry Canadafrequencies (824-849 MHz on uplink and 869-894 MHz on downlink), US FCCand Industry Canada frequencies (1850-1915 MHz on uplink and 1930-1995MHz on downlink), US FCC and Industry Canada frequencies (1710-1755 MHzon uplink and 2110-2155 MHz on downlink), US FCC frequencies (698-716MHz and 776-787 MHz on uplink and 728-746 MHz on downlink), EU R & TTEfrequencies (880-915 MHz on uplink and 925-960 MHz on downlink), EU R &TTE frequencies (1710-1785 MHz on uplink and 1805-1880 MHz on downlink),EU R & TTE frequencies (1920-1980 MHz on uplink and 2110-2170 MHz ondownlink), US FCC frequencies (806-824 MHz on uplink and 851-869 MHz ondownlink), US FCC frequencies (896-901 MHz on uplink and 929-941 MHz ondownlink), US FCC frequencies (793-805 MHz on uplink and 763-775 MHz ondownlink), and US FCC frequencies (2495-2690 MHz on uplink anddownlink).

The downlink electrical RF communications signals 56D(1)-56D(R) areprovided to a plurality of optical interfaces provided in the form ofoptical interface modules (OIMs) 58(1)-58(N) in this embodiment toconvert the downlink electrical RF communications signals 56D(1)-56D(N)into downlink optical RF communications signals 60D(1)-60D(R). An OIM 58may also be referred to as an optical interface unit (OIU) 58. AMs 30can also be included in the OIMs 58(1)-58(N), or provided in the samelocation, housing, or packaging as the OIMs 58(1)-58(N), to monitor thedownlink electrical RF communications signals 56D(1)-56D(R) prior tooptical conversion into downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R). The notation “1-N” indicates that any number of thereferenced component 1-N may be provided. The OIMs 58 may be configuredto provide one or more optical interface components (OICs) that containoptical-to-electrical (O/E) and electrical-to-optical (E/O) converters,as will be described in more detail below. The OIMs 58 support the radiobands that can be provided by the RIMs 52, including the examplespreviously described above. Thus, in this embodiment, the OIMs 58 maysupport a radio band range from 400 MHz to 2700 MHz, as an example, soproviding different types or models of OIMs 58 for narrower radio bandsto support possibilities for different radio band-supported RIMs 52provided in the HEE 54 is not required. Further, as an example, the OIMs58 may be optimized for sub-bands within the 400 MHz to 2700 MHzfrequency range, such as 400-700 MHz, 700 MHz-1 GHz, 1 GHz-1.6 GHz, and1.6 GHz-2.7 GHz, as examples.

The OIMs 58(1)-58(N) each include E/O converters to convert the downlinkelectrical RF communications signals 56D(1)-56D(R) to downlink opticalRF communications signals 60D(1)-60D(R). The downlink optical RFcommunications signals 60D(1)-60D(R) are communicated over downlinkoptical fiber(s) 63D to a plurality of remote antenna units (RAUs)62(1)-62(P). The notation “1-P” indicates that any number of thereferenced component 1-P may be provided. O/E converters provided in theRAUs 62(1)-62(P) convert the downlink optical RF communications signals60D(1)-60D(R) back into downlink electrical RF communications signals56D(1)-56D(R), which are provided over downlinks 64(1)-64(P) coupled toantennas 66(1)-66(P) in the RAUs 62(1)-62(P) to client devices 26 in thereception range of the antennas 66(1)-66(P). AMs 30 can also be includedin the RAUs 62(1)-62(P), or provided in the same location, housing, orpackaging as the RAUs 62(1)-62(P), to monitor the downlink electrical RFcommunications signals 56D(1)-56D(R).

E/O converters are also provided in the RAUs 62(1)-62(P) to convertuplink electrical RF communications signals received from client devices26 through the antennas 66(1)-66(P) into uplink optical RFcommunications signals 68U(1)-68U(R) to be communicated over uplinkoptical fibers 63U to the OIMs 58(1)-58(N). The AMs 30 associated withthe RAUs 62(1)-62(P) can also monitor uplink electrical RFcommunications signals 70U(1)-70U(R). The OIMs 58(1)-58(N) include O/Econverters that convert the uplink optical RF communications signals68U(1)-68U(R) into uplink electrical RF communications signals70U(1)-70U(R) that are processed by the RIMs 52(1)-52(M) and provided asuplink electrical RF communications signals 72U(1)-72U(R). Downlinkelectrical digital signals 73D(1)-73D(P), such as Ethernet signals,communicated over downlink electrical medium or media (hereinafter“medium”) 75D(1)-75D(P) can be provided to the RAUs 62(1)-62(P), such asfrom a digital data services (DDS) controller and/or DDS switch asprovided by example in FIG. 3B, separately from the RF communicationservices, as well as uplink electrical digital signals 73U(1)-73U(P)communicated over uplink electrical medium 75U(1)-75U(P), as alsoillustrated in FIG. 3B. AMs 30 associated with the OIMs 58(1)-58(N)and/or the RIMs 52(1)-52(M) can also monitor the uplink electrical RFcommunications signals 70U(1)-70U(R). Common elements between FIGS. 3Aand 3B are illustrated in FIG. 3B with common element numbers. Power maybe provided in the downlink and/or uplink electrical medium75D(1)-75D(P) and/or 75U(1)-75U(P) to the RAUs 62(1)-62(P).

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of providing digital data services and RFcommunication services to RAUs and/or other remote communications unitsin the optical fiber-based DAS 50 of FIG. 3A. Common components betweenFIGS. 3A and 3B have the same element numbers and thus will not bere-described. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, a power supply module (PSM) 83may be provided to provide power to the RIMs 52(1)-52(M) and radiodistribution cards (RDCs) 77 that distribute the RF communications fromthe RIMs 52(1)-52(M) to the OIMs 58(1)-58(N) through RDCs 79. In oneembodiment, the RDCs 77, 79 can support different sectorization needs.An interface 81, which may include web and network management system(NMS) interfaces, may also be provided to allow configuration andcommunication to the RIMs 52(1)-52(M) and other components of theoptical fiber-based DAS 50. A PSM 85 may also be provided to providepower the OIMs 58(1)-58(N). A microcontroller, microprocessor, or othercontrol circuitry, called a head-end controller (HEC) 87 may be includedin HEE 54 to provide control operations for the HEE 54. The AMs 30 mayalso be incorporated into or associated with one or more interconnectunits (ICUs) 86 to monitor power signals as the ICUs 86 provide powersignals to the RAUs 62(1)-62(P) or route information about othermonitored signals to other components or other AMs 30 in the DAS 50.

FIG. 4 is another schematic diagram of exemplary DAS components of theoptical fiber-based DAS 50 in which the AM 30 in FIG. 2 can beassociated with to monitor live signals in the WDCS, createapplication-level information about the monitored signals, andcommunicate the application-level information to other systems. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the DAS 50 includes an HEU 54 thatcommunicates with an OIU 58, which communicates with number of RAUs 62via an ICU 86. The ICU 86 communicates with the RAUs 62 via downlinkoptical fiber(s) 63D and uplink optical fiber(s) 63U. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, each of the components within the DAS 50 includesan AM 30. When an AM 30 is a component within another node, as is thecase the HEU 54, the OIU 58, the ICU 86, and the RAUs 62, it may bereferred to as a “multi-application module,” or MAM 30. When an AM 30 isa stand-alone entity, it may be referred to as a “multi-applicationunit,” or MAU 30. This is reflected in FIG. 4, which includes six MAMs(one in each of the RAUs 62, one in the ICU 86, one in the OIU 58, andone in the HEU 54) and one MAU.

In general, a MAM comprises multi-technology wireless telecommunicationcircuitry that is embodied into power- and process-optimized mobile UEwith multiple sensors and with a multiple-application software platformarchitecture. A MAM is generally intended to be physically co-locatedwith different components within a WDCS. A MAU may be thought of as aversion of a MAM that is in a separate package and that communicateswith the WDCS via a wired or wireless connection.

The AM 30 can communicate application layer data 38 as client devices inthe DAS 50 to other devices outside the DAS 50, or to other AMs 30 inother components in the DAS 50. The AM 30 may also serve as a networkdevice, such as an access point, to collect monitored signalinformation, including application-level information, from other AMs 30and/or components in the DAS 50, which can be passed along to othercomponents or systems.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating exemplary internal componentsof the AM 30 in FIG. 2 to monitor signals in a component of a WDCS,including but not limited to the DAS 50 in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Asillustrated in FIG. 5, the AM 30 includes a series of wireless serviceprocessors 90(1)-90(X) that are configured to receive wirelesscommunications signals over respective antennas 92(1)-92(X). Thewireless service processors 90(1)-90(X) facilitate the AM 30communicating application-level information, such as theapplication-level information 38 in FIG. 2, received through acommunications interface 94 wirelessly in a WDCS, as another clientdevice. The wireless service processors 90(1)-90(X) also facilitate theAM 30 being able to communicate application-level information wired orwirelessly to other systems outside the WDCS, if desired.

With continuing reference to FIG. 5, the AM 30 includes aprocessor-based system 96 that may include multiple processors or amulti-core processor 98, as examples, (hereinafter “processor 98”) whereapplication layer applications reside and are executed. As discussedabove with reference to FIG. 2, the application layer applications 32monitor signals in a WDCS and provide the application-level information38 regarding such monitored signals over the communications interface 94to other systems, within and/or outside of a WDCS. The application layerapplications 32 are stored in internal memory 100. The application-levelinformation 38 can also be stored by the processor 98 in the internalmemory 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the processor-basedsystem 96 includes a power management module 102 to manage powerconsumption in the processor-based system 96, such as to achieve thedesired performance levels. The AM 30 also includes one or more physicalcommunications ports 104(1)-104(Y) to allow wired communications to beprovided to and from the AM 30, if desired. For example, a technicianmay connect a wired communication device to one of the physicalcommunications ports 104(1)-104(Y) to retrieve application-levelinformation 38 or load or update application layer applications 32. TheAM 30 may also include one or more external memory interfaces106(1)-106(Z), such as memory card ports, USB ports, etc., for storingdata from the internal memory 100, including application-levelinformation 38. The AM 30 may also include one or more peripheralinterface ports 108(1)-108(A) for connecting other peripheral devices tothe AM 30. In one embodiment, the internal memory 100 may include anapplication 110 in the form of instructions that are configured to beexecuted by a core processor(s) 98. The application 110 may beconfigured to analyze downlink communications signals and/or the uplinkcommunications signals and to communicate application-level informationregarding the analyzed signals to another system.

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary AM 30 in a scanning operation modeaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For simplicity ofexplanation, the embodiment of the AM 30 shown in FIG. 6A includes anMSIM 48, a memory 100, and an application 110, but it will be understoodthat the AM 30 may contain other components not shown in this figure.Because a SIM card is not required for an AM to operating in a scanningmode in which the AM collects signal identification parameters andsignal levels, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6A, the MSIM 48within the AM 30 has been deactivated or delinked.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM 30 inFIG. 6A to monitor live signals in a WDCS, such as the DAS 50 of FIG.3A, create application-level information about the monitored signals,and communicate the application-level information to other systems. Theprocess begins when the AM 30 receives a command from a central unit 16,such as is illustrated in FIG. 1 (block 112). A central unit 16 may alsobe called an HEU 16 or a headend control module (HCM) 16; therefore, thecommand received by the AM 30 may be referred to as an “HCM command.”Upon receiving the HCM command, the application 110 on the AM 30 delinksthe MSIM 48 to make the AM 30 scan all frequencies. Alternatively, theapplication 110 may command the AM 30 to lock to a particular frequencyband or technology (block 114). The application 110 commands the AM 30to enter a network camping mode (block 116). The application 110 uses arelevant application programing interface (API) to collect the servicesignal IDs and other parameters while the AM 30 is scanning the cellularsignals (block 118). Examples of service signal IDs include, but are notlimited to, a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondarysynchronization signal (SSS), a cell-specific reference signal (CRS),and the like. The application 110 then sends the collected informationto the HCM 16 (block 120). The HCM 16 uses the information to label theRIMs 52 and RAUs 62 with the supported services and parameters, theidentity of macros versus DAS-provisioned signals, etc. (block 122).

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary AM 30 in a diagnostic operation modeaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Forsimplicity of explanation, the embodiment of the AM 30 shown in FIG. 7Aincludes an MSIM 48, a memory 100, and an application 110, but it willbe understood that the AM 30 may contain other components not shown inthis figure. FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment in which the MSIM 48includes multiple instances of a SIM cards or their circuit equivalents124. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, the MSIM 48 includesthree SIM cards 124(1)-124(3), but in alternative embodiments, the MSIM48 may contain other numbers of SIM cards or their equivalents.

FIG. 7B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM 30 inFIG. 7A to monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-levelinformation about the monitored signals, and communicate theapplication-level information to other systems. The process begins whenthe AM 30 receives an HCM command to use subscription informationcontained within the MSIM 48 to connect to a carrier service signal(block 126). The application 110 then uses information that wascollected by the AM 30 (or provided by the HCM 16) to collect deepersignal key performance indicators (KPIs), such as path A or path B of a2×2 MIMO signal (block 128). The application 110 uses other emulationtools, such as sending an email, uploading a video, etc., to estimatequality of service (QoS), quality of experience (QoE), or otherdiagnostic information (block 130). The application 110 then sends thecollected data to the HCM 16 (block 132).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B, the application 110 then usesthe subscription information contained with the MSIM 48 to collectinformation, estimate QoS and QoE, and perform other diagnostic analysison signals from another carrier (block 134). To do this, the MSIM 48 mayaccess information within another SIM card 124. In some embodiments, aSIM card 124 or equivalent circuit may contain multi-carriersubscription information, in which case the same SIM card 124 may beaccessed to get information for more than one carrier. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 7B, the HCM 16 uses the AMs 30 and a relevantapplication to understand the provisioned services, to optimize thesystem, and to alert the customers as per the customer preferences(block 136).

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary AM 30 in a diagnostic operation modeaccording to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Forsimplicity of explanation, the embodiment of the AM 30 shown in FIG. 7Aincludes an MSIM 48, a memory 100, and an application 110, but it willbe understood that the AM 30 may contain other components not shown inthis figure. FIG. 8A illustrates an embodiment in which the MSIM 48includes one or more instances of a virtualized SIM 138, which may be aneSIM, softSIM, etc. The AM 30 may be provisioned with the vSIM 138 froma subscription management server 140 that communicates with the AM 30via cellular signals or otherwise.

FIG. 8B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of the AM 30 inFIG. 8A to monitor live signals in the WDCS, create application-levelinformation about the monitored signals, and communicate theapplication-level information to other systems. The process begins whenthe AM 30 receives an HCM command to use subscription informationcontained within the MSIM 48 to connect to a carrier service signal(block 142). The application 110 then uses information that wascollected by the AM 30 (or provided by the HCM 16) to collect deepersignal KPIs, such as path AB of a 2×2 MIMO signal (block 144). Theapplication 110 uses other emulation tools, such as sending an email,uploading a video, etc., to estimate QoS, QoE, or other diagnosticinformation (block 146). The application 110 then sends the collecteddata to the HCM 16 (block 148).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7B, the application 110 thenrequests different subscription information to be loaded to the vSIM138, and then estimates the QoS, QoE, and other diagnostic informationof the newly subscribed signal (block 150). The HCM 16 uses the AMs 30and the relevant application to understand the provisioned services,optimize the system, and alert the customer as per the customerpreferences (block 152).

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary WDCS 154 according to another embodimentof the present disclosure. WDCS 154 includes a head-end unit 16 that isconfigured to send downlink communications signals 20D to remote antennaunits 14(1)-14(N), which are configured to receive the downlinkcommunications signals 20D and distribute them to the respectivecoverage areas of the remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N). Each remoteantenna unit 14(1)-14(N) may include an RF transmitter/receiver andrespective antenna operably connected to the RF transmitter/receiver towirelessly distribute the communications services to client deviceswithin each remote antenna unit's 14(1)-14(N) respective coverage areas(not shown). The remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N) are also configured toreceive uplink communications signals 20U from client devices in eachremote antenna unit's 14(1)-14(N) respective coverage areas to thehead-end unit 16. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the head-endunit 16 and at least one of the remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N)includes an AM 30.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the WDCS 154 is communicativelycoupled to a network 156, such as the Internet or World Wide Web, via acommunication channel 158, which may be one or more wired or wirelessconnection(s). Through the communication channel 158, the head-end unit16, the remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N), and any network devices beingserved by the respective remote antenna units 14(1)-14(N), cancommunicate with one or more service providers 160(1)-160(N).

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an AM 30 wirelessly, or through wiredcommunication, communicating application-level information 38 aboutmonitored signals to other portable devices 162(1)-162(3). Withreference back to FIG. 2, the AM 30 can simply execute the applicationlayer application 32 to process the monitored signals to generate theapplication-level information 38.

FIG. 11 is a partially schematic cut-away diagram of a buildinginfrastructure 162 employing the DAS 50 described herein, provided in anindoor environment. The building infrastructure 162 in this embodimentincludes a first (ground) floor 166(1), a second floor 166(2), and athird floor 166(3). The floors 166(1)-166(3) are serviced by a centralunit 168 to provide the antenna coverage areas 170 in the buildinginfrastructure 164. The central unit 168 is communicatively coupled to abase station 172 to receive downlink communications signals 174D fromthe base station 172. The central unit 168 is communicatively coupled tothe remote antenna units 62 to receive uplink communications signals174U from the remote antenna units 62, as previously discussed above.The downlink and uplink communications signals 174D, 174U communicatedbetween the central unit 168 and the remote antenna units 62 are carriedover a riser cable 176. The riser cable 176 may be routed throughinterconnect units (ICUs) 86(1)-86(3) dedicated to each floor166(1)-166(3) that route the downlink and uplink communications signals174D, 174U to the remote antenna units 62 and also provide power to theremote antenna units 62 via array cables 178.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram representation of additional detailillustrating a computer system 180 that could be employed in any AM 30disclosed herein. The computer system 180 is adapted to executeinstructions for an application layer application 32 from an exemplarycomputer-readable medium to perform these and/or any of the functions orprocessing described herein. In this regard, the computer system 180 inFIG. 9 may include a set of instructions that may be executed tocalculate gain of DAS segment in a DAS. The computer system 180 may beconnected (e.g., networked) to other machines in a LAN, an intranet, anextranet, or the Internet. While only a single device is illustrated,the term “device” shall also be taken to include any collection ofdevices that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussedherein. The computer system 180 may be a circuit or circuits included inan electronic board card, such as, a printed circuit board (PCB), aserver, a personal computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, apersonal digital assistant (PDA), a computing pad, a mobile device, orany other device, and may represent, for example, a server or a user'scomputer.

The exemplary computer system 180 in this embodiment includes aprocessing device or processor 182, a main memory 184 (e.g., read-onlymemory (ROM), flash memory, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), such assynchronous DRAM (SDRAM), etc.), and a static memory 186 (e.g., flashmemory, static random access memory (SRAM), etc.), which may communicatewith each other via a data bus 188. Alternatively, the processor 182 maybe connected to the main memory 184 and/or static memory 186 directly orvia some other connectivity means. The processor 182 may be acontroller, and the main memory 184 or static memory 186 may be any typeof memory. Application-level information 38 may be stored in staticmemory 186.

The processor 182 represents one or more general-purpose processingdevices, such as a microprocessor, central processing unit, or the like.The processor 182 may be the processor 98 in the AM 30 in FIG. 5. Moreparticularly, the processor 182 may be a complex instruction setcomputing (CISC) microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing(RISC) microprocessor, a very long instruction word (VLIW)microprocessor, a processor implementing other instruction sets, orother processors implementing a combination of instruction sets. Theprocessor 182 is configured to execute processing logic in instructionsfor performing the operations and steps discussed herein.

The computer system 180 may further include a network interface device190. The computer system 180 also may or may not include an input 192,configured to receive input and selections to be communicated to thecomputer system 180 when executing instructions. The computer system 180also may or may not include an output 194, including but not limited toa display, a video display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) ora cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device (e.g., akeyboard), and/or a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse).

The computer system 180 may or may not include a data storage devicethat includes instructions 196 stored in a computer-readable medium 198.The instructions 196 may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 184 and/or within the processor 182 duringexecution thereof by the computer system 180, the main memory 184 andthe processor 182 also constituting computer-readable medium. Theinstructions 196 may further be transmitted or received over a network200 via the network interface device 190.

While the computer-readable medium 198 is shown in an exemplaryembodiment to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium”should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., acentralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also be taken to include any mediumthat is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructionsfor execution by the processing device and that cause the processingdevice to perform any one or more of the methodologies of theembodiments disclosed herein. The term “computer-readable medium” shallaccordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-statememories, optical medium, and magnetic medium.

The embodiments disclosed herein include various steps. The steps of theembodiments disclosed herein may be formed by hardware components or maybe embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used tocause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with theinstructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, the steps may beperformed by a combination of hardware and software.

The embodiments disclosed herein may be provided as a computer programproduct, or software, that may include a machine-readable medium (orcomputer-readable medium) having stored thereon instructions, which maybe used to program a computer system (or other electronic devices) toperform a process according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Amachine-readable medium includes any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputer). For example, a machine-readable medium includes: amachine-readable storage medium (e.g., ROM, random access memory(“RAM”), a magnetic disk storage medium, an optical storage medium,flash memory devices, etc.); and the like.

Unless specifically stated otherwise and as apparent from the previousdiscussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,”“determining,” “displaying,” or the like, refer to the action andprocesses of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device,that manipulates and transforms data and memories represented asphysical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registersinto other data similarly represented as physical quantities within thecomputer system memories or registers or other such information storage,transmission, or display devices.

The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently relatedto any particular computer or other apparatus. Various systems may beused with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it mayprove convenient to construct more specialized apparatuses to performthe required method steps. The required structure for a variety of thesesystems will appear from the description above. In addition, theembodiments described herein are not described with reference to anyparticular programming language. It will be appreciated that a varietyof programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of theembodiments as described herein.

Those of skill in the art will further appreciate that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithms describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedas electronic hardware, instructions stored in memory or in anothercomputer-readable medium and executed by a processor or other processingdevice, or combinations of both. The components of the distributedantenna systems described herein may be employed in any circuit,hardware component, integrated circuit (IC), or IC chip, as examples.Memory disclosed herein may be any type and size of memory and may beconfigured to store any type of information desired. To clearlyillustrate this interchangeability, various illustrative components,blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generallyin terms of their functionality. How such functionality is implementeddepends on the particular application, design choices, and/or designconstraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans mayimplement the described functionality in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the presentembodiments.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implementedor performed with a processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), anApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field ProgrammableGate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, a discrete gateor transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. Furthermore,a controller may be a processor. A processor may be a microprocessor,but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices (e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration).

The embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in hardware and ininstructions that are stored in hardware, and may reside, for example,in RAM, flash memory, ROM, Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM),Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, a hard disk,a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of computer-readablemedium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to theprocessor such that the processor can read information from, and writeinformation to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storagemedium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a remote station.In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside asdiscrete components in a remote station, base station, or server.

It is also noted that the operational steps described in any of theexemplary embodiments herein are described to provide examples anddiscussion. The operations described may be performed in numerousdifferent sequences other than the illustrated sequences. Furthermore,operations described in a single operational step may actually beperformed in a number of different steps. Additionally, one or moreoperational steps discussed in the exemplary embodiments may becombined. Those of skill in the art will also understand thatinformation and signals may be represented using any of a variety oftechnologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands,information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips, that may be referencesthroughout the above description, may be represented by voltages,currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, or particles, opticalfields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatany particular order be inferred.

Providing multiple SIM instances within a single, specially adapted UEor UE-like device and operating the diagnostic tool as one of the manypossible applications solves multiple problems simultaneously. Thedevices described herein can operate in both the scanning mode and thediagnostic mode. The information from both of these modes can be used indifferent applications, such as MIMO cell bonding, capacityrouting/clustering, MACRO/in-building network optimization, interferencemitigation, and others. These devices enable the multi-carriersubscription necessary for deep diagnostics of the provided servicesignals. By running the diagnostic tool as one of the many applications,the cost of the single UE can further be shared by other applicationssuch as E911, wireless graphic user interface (GUI) access,self-organizing networks (SONs), etc. For example, for Voice over LTE(VoLTE), voice QoS can be tested by sending an audio file from one AM toan audio receiver on another AM and vice versa. When deployed as aparallel overlay, the subject matter of the present disclosure can beused to determine antenna level. The invention can also give antennalevel KPIs, QoS, and QoE of a passive network. The methods and systemdescribed herein make it possible to perform calibration with livesignals and to perform troubleshooting in a manner that does not impactservice.

The subject matter of the present disclosure provides a number ofdistinct advantages over conventional methods and systems:

-   -   Provisioning a DAS with a MAMIMAU-based cellular scanning and        diagnostic tool brings single antenna/RAU level signal        visibility into the coverage environment.    -   A single AM can support not only the scanning and diagnostic        capabilities described above, but also other applications, such        as direct access to a remote antenna unit via cellular backhaul,        allowing carriers to view and control remotes directly, just        like they can currently control base stations. This enables a        complete end-to-end system optimization. E911 functionality is        another application that could also be supported by an AM.    -   AMs as described herein provide multi-carrier signal scanning        and analysis without the need for redundant hardware, resulting        in lower cost when compared to conventional solutions.    -   Scanning and diagnostic applications can be developed by        multiple vendors as per carrier preference, and can be upgraded        independent of other applications on the MAMIMAU—thereby        improving development time and maintenance cycles of the        applications.

While not being limited thereto, some example embodiments of the presentdisclosure are provided below.

According to one aspect, a WDCS comprises MAMs at a head-end unit aswell as at remote units, and a wirelessly connected MAU. In terms ofimplementation, the WDCS may be analog, digital, or a combination; thecellular services may be provisioned by the head-end unit, with orwithout integrated capacity source, with the remote units being inanalog or digital signal format. In one embodiment, the WDCS isprovisioned with MAMs in the head-end unit and the remote antenna unitsand with MAUs in the respective coverage areas of the remote antennaunits. The MAMs and MAUs may be connected to the WDCS via wired and/orwireless connections. In one embodiment, the MAMs and MAUs may userelevant contextual data from other applications as well to improve theapplication of cellular signal scanning/diagnostics and its relatedapplications. In one embodiment, the MAMs and MAUs may also havecentralized orchestration, reporting, and post data processing layersand/or APIs to third party applications.

According to another aspect, a scanning application (and/or derivativeapplication) is provided on an AM. The scanning application disconnects(or emulates disconnecting) the SIM instance to force the AM switch toscanning or network camping mode, during which the AM captures carrierID, signal type, and available KPIs of the signal upon which the AM iscamping. In one embodiment, such data is internally used to labeldifferent components of the WDCS dynamically and to capture changes inthe KPIs as per the requirements. In one embodiment, the application(s)may be controlled by an external element or internal command from withinthe AM.

According to another aspect, a cellular diagnostic application on an AMleverages multiple on-board SIMs to access multiple carrier signalssimultaneously, sequentially, or in an intermixed fashion. In oneembodiment, the AM switches between the carriers automatically and/orperiodically to help diagnose all the provisioned signals of the WDCSand their QoE. In one embodiment, the AM runs other emulated scenariossuch as email sending/receive, video upload/download, etc., to estimatethe QoS of the signals and QoE of the users. In one embodiment, the AMhelps other applications such as MIMO cell bonding with the necessaryinformation such as path A or path B of a 2×2 MIMO signal.

According to another aspect, a diagnostic application on an AMtransitions the AM to a cellular diagnostic mode, leveraging eSIMtechnology to subscribe to different carriers of the provisionedcellular signals of a WDCS. In one embodiment, the on-board SIM can bephysical hardware or in the software form.

According to another aspect, a system architecture is presented in whicha WDCS is connected to the Internet and to the service providers via theInternet. In one embodiment, in addition to providing the servicesignals, the Internet providers also provide subscriptions as per theapplication requirements of the AMs. In one embodiment, the internetproviders may access the applications within the AMs. In one embodiment,the AMs enable the remote units to connect to the internet directlywithout needing the head-end unit, and the applications on the AMs canconnect directly to different servers using the provisioned signalsrather than using the control signals provided by the head-end unit. Inthis manner, MAMs and MAUs can connect to the Internet either via awired or wireless connection.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications combinations,sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodimentsincorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur topersons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to includeeverything within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless distributed communications system(WDCS), comprising: a central unit configured to: receive a downlinkcommunications signal from a communications system; distribute thedownlink communications signal over at least one downlink communicationsmedium to a plurality of remote units; receive an uplink communicationssignal from the plurality of remote units over at least one uplinkcommunications medium; and distribute the uplink communications signalto the communications system; each remote unit among the plurality ofremote units configured to: receive the downlink communications signalfrom the central unit over the at least one downlink communicationsmedium; distribute the downlink communications signal to a clientdevice; receive the uplink communications signal from the client device;and distribute the uplink communications signal to the central unit overthe at least one uplink communications medium; and at least oneapplication module (AM) associated with at least one of the central unitand at least one of the remote units among the plurality of remoteunits, the at least one AM comprising: at least one communicationsinterface configured to receive communications signals from a pluralityof sectors in the WDCS, the communications signals comprising at leastone of the downlink communications signal and the uplink communicationssignal; at least one processor configured to execute at least oneapplication layer application to analyze the at least one of thedownlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal; anda multi-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM) configured toimplement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instance containingcarrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with a carrier toperform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from the respectivecarrier; the at least one AM configured to: receive at least one of thedownlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal; andcommunicate application-level information regarding the analyzed atleast one of the downlink communications signal and the uplinkcommunications signal to another system.
 2. The WDCS of claim 1, whereinthe at least one AM operates in at least one of: a diagnostic mode,during which the at least one AM is registered with a carrier; and ascanning mode, during which the at least one AM is not registered with acarrier.
 3. The WDCS of claim 2, wherein, during operation of the atleast one AM in the diagnostic mode, the MSIM is connected or activated,and, during operation of the AM in the scanning mode, the MSIM isdisconnected or deactivated.
 4. The WDCS of claim 1, wherein thecircuitry within the at least one AM configured to implement theplurality of SIM instances comprises logic to activate or deactivate atleast one of the plurality of SIM instances.
 5. The WDCS of claim 1,wherein at least one of the plurality of SIM instances within the atleast one AM comprises a hardware SIM instance.
 6. The WDCS of claim 5,wherein the hardware SIM instance comprises a SIM card.
 7. The WDCS ofclaim 5, wherein the hardware SIM instance comprises a hardware SIM cardemulator.
 8. The WDCS of claim 1, wherein at least one of the pluralityof SIM instances within the at least one AM comprises a virtual SIMinstance.
 9. The WDCS of claim 8, wherein the virtual SIM instancecomprises a software SIM.
 10. The WDCS of claim 8, wherein the virtualSIM instance comprises a software SIM card emulator.
 11. The WDCS ofclaim 8, wherein the at least one AM is configured to receive at leastone virtual SIM instance over the at least one communications interfaceand to store the received at least one virtual SIM instance within theMSIM.
 12. The WDCS of claim 11, wherein the at least one AM isconfigured to receive the at least one virtual SIM instance from avirtual SIM subscription manager separate and distinct from the at leastone AM.
 13. The WDCS of claim 8, wherein the at least one AM isconfigured to upload at least one virtual SIM instance over the at leastone communications interface.
 14. The WDCS of claim 13, wherein the atleast one AM is configured to upload the at least one virtual SIMinstance to a virtual SIM subscription manager separate and distinctfrom the at least one AM.
 15. The WDCS of claim 13, wherein the at leastone AM is further configured to deactivate the virtual SIM instance fromthe MSIM.
 16. The WDCS of claim 1, wherein the at least onecommunications interface comprises a wireless communications interface.17. The WDCS of claim 16, wherein the wireless communications interfacecomprises at least one of a cellular modem interface, a Bluetooth modeminterface, or a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) interface.
 18. The WDCS ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one AM is a component of amultiple-application module (MAM) and the MAM is a component of a radiointerface module (RIM), an optical interface module (OIM), or a remoteantenna unit (RAU).
 19. The WDCS of claim 1, wherein the at least onedownlink communications medium is comprised of at least one downlinkoptical fiber, and the at least one uplink communications medium iscomprised of at least one uplink optical fiber.
 20. A method for anapplication module (AM) for multi-carrier, diagnostic mode monitoring ofsignals in a wireless distributed communications system (WDCS), themethod comprising: receiving a downlink communications signal from acommunications system in a central unit; distributing the downlinkcommunications signal over at least one downlink communications mediumto a plurality of remote units; distributing the received downlinkcommunications signal in each remote unit among the plurality of remoteunits to a client device; receiving an uplink communications signal fromthe plurality of remote units over at least one uplink communicationsmedium in the central unit; receiving the uplink communications signalin each remote unit among the plurality of remote units from the clientdevice; distributing the received uplink communications signal in eachremote unit among the plurality of remote units to the central unit;executing at least one application layer application in at least oneprocessor in at least one application module (AM) associated with atleast one of the central unit and at least one of the remote units amongthe plurality of remote units to analyze the at least one of thedownlink communications signal and the uplink communications signal, theAM comprising a multi-carrier subscriber identity module (MSIM)configured to implement a plurality of SIM instances, each SIM instancecontaining carrier-specific data to enable the AM to register with acarrier to perform diagnostic mode monitoring of signals from therespective carrier; and communicating application-level informationregarding the analyzed at least one of the downlink communicationssignal and the uplink communications signal to another system.
 21. Themethod of claim 20, wherein executing the at least one application layerapplication comprises: receiving, from the central unit, a command toenter a scanning mode; deactivating the MSIM so that the AM is notregistered with a carrier; entering a network camping mode; and scanningthe at least one downlink communications signal and the at least oneuplink communications signal and collecting information for analyzingthe at least one of the downlink communications signal and the uplinkcommunications signal.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the collectedinformation comprises service signal IDs.
 23. The method of claim 20,wherein executing the at least one application layer applicationcomprises: receiving, from the central unit, a command to register witha carrier; retrieving, from a SIM instance containing carrier-specificdata for the carrier, information for registering with the carrier;using the retrieved information to register with the carrier; andscanning the at least one downlink communications signal and the atleast one uplink communications signal and collecting information foranalyzing the at least one of the downlink communications signal and theuplink communications signal.